Cancer patients on one hand have to go through immense pain and trauma due to lengthy and hectic treatments. They on the other hand have to go through the trouble of sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders and finding it difficult to sleep can be bothersome for a normal individual let alone the cancer patients who have to face a terrible time falling asleep.
This is one case of being unable to fall asleep there are other cases too where the cancer patients find it immensely difficult to wake up from their deep sleep. Whichever is the case, it can be irritating.
There are some apprehensions among the masses that sleep deprivation or irregular changes in the sleep cycle will make you more prone to the risk of developing cancer of many sorts.
That is another topic to be discussed but here we will get into the details of cancer and sleep disorders.
SIDE NOTE: For more information on cancer, please read a detailed step-by-step guide on the stages of cancer.
We will also find out why cancer patients have trouble sleeping?
Also, we will update ourselves on the possible linkage between chemotherapy and sleeping problems.
Table of Contents
Causes of Sleep Disorders in Cancer Patients
As said, cancer patients find it difficult to fall asleep and There are many causes that can be possibly linked in this case.
But the few major causes that have been observed so far are listed down below.
1- Stress and Anxiety
This is by far the most important cause of sleep deprivation in cancer patients.
The quality of sleep is found to be considerably reduced in many people suffering from the initial stages of cancer and this quality is only found to deteriorate with the passage of time.
In advanced stages of cancer due to one reason or the other, it is found that the rate of disrupted sleep may reach up to 72% creating many problems for the cancer patients.
2- Pain or Discomfort
The methods of treatment that are used in the treatment of cancer can also cause a major decrease in sleep duration.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also the biggest reasons for the pain and discomfort that cancer patients have to go through.
The powerful chemicals and radiation that kill the cancerous cells on one hand also kill the normal cells of the body making you more susceptible to discomfort and contributing to a decreased sleep duration overall.
3- Reduced Immunity
As already described above, chemicals and radiation that are used in treating cancer can decrease the immunity of your body.
This implies that the cancer patients are on the verge of developing other infections which can also lead to a fever that can hinder getting quality sleep.
4- Perturbed Sleep Cycle
Patients often find themselves very lethargic and languid after the cancer treatments which means they will be getting some naps and a daytime sleep which will affect the overall sleep cycle and they will find it difficult and consuming to get a quality night’s sleep.
But Why is Night Sleep Emphasised Greatly?
There are many reasons why doctors and health care providers often emphasize getting quality nighttime sleep.
Sleep not only gives you enough energy for a healthy physically active start to the day, but it is also useful in keeping your mental health in balance.
If mental health is maintained then this means that every body cell and organ will function to its maximum potential and capability.
This good night’s sleep will help you in the following ways
- Normal Blood Pressure
It will keep your blood pressure to a normal value which is again necessary to keep your body healthy.
- Emotional Stability
A good night’s sleep can also help you with anxiety and stress management as a good sleep can make you feel stronger and stable emotionally. The battery of hormones that work in the body with emotions will get the time to recharge.
- Improved Appetite
It will also help your appetite. This is essential as cancer patients often complain that they don’t like to eat food due to the high doses of medicine given to them for treating cancer. Getting energy through food is also necessary so that the immune system can work properly and it will defend the body against many diseases.
- Positive Effects on Immune System
It will also help to keep your immune system fit as fiddles. Getting an adequate amount of quality sleep will help you to keep the immune system in shape. This will not only improve your chances of getting cancer-free but will also help to manage the time taken up by the procedure smoothly.
How can Sleep Be Managed in Cancer Patients?
The sleeping disorders in cancer patients can be treated by adopting a thorough system in which the cancer patients may be getting support and care from their surroundings and they may also seek medical advice which may include giving certain sleeping pills that can help improve the sleep quality of cancer patients.
1- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Don’t just get baffled by the long name of this wonderful therapy, there are cases that have improved a lot when on this therapy.
This is a simple technique that aims at getting quality sleep through therapies.
It helps you to diagnose the underlying issues be it with your emotions, thoughts, or any other medical issue.
Then comes the next part where you have to reframe things with a non-judgmental point of view.
This will help you to develop a reality-based understanding of your long-held beliefs and thoughts. This therapy is found to be effective in treating insomnia.
Study these 9 natural remedies for anxiety and depression
2- Find the Best Environment
Finding the best environment is essential to getting quality sleep. There are certain factors that impede the normal process of sleep. This can vary from person to person but on a baseline, it is crucial to get the right environment sorted out as early as possible.
This may include the followings:
- Right bed
- Right room with appropriate lighting
- Comfortable bedding
- Room temperature set to a comfortable level
These things will surely help in getting an adequate amount of quality sleep.
3- Dietary Habit and Lifestyle
However, it is noteworthy to consider that these two things are difficult to maintain when you are suffering from cancer. But both of them have long effects on your overall well being
- Include a diet that is high in anti-inflammatory substances
- Include fruits and veggies in your diet
- Quit smoking and alcohol use
- Maintain a schedule of going outside for some time be it in the morning or evening
- Try to go to bed at a specific time as this will help your body to maintain its own biological clock.
- Try to be more active during the daytime
- Engage yourself in healthy activities according to your liking.
The Final Takeaway
Cancer no doubt is a lifelong condition where you may find yourself drained out of energy at times. It is however essential to keep your guards up every time.
Getting proper sleep and maintaining a healthy schedule of getting enough sleep is going to put healthy benefits on your health.
If you think that you are suffering from cancer and want the best possible solution, make an appointment today with the best oncologist through our website healthwire.
